Government confirm HS2 line between Birmingham and Crewe to be delayed by two years
By Rich Wilcock
10th Mar 2023 | HS2
The Government has confirmed that HS2 will be delayed in order to save costs.
The high-speed rail link between Birmingham and Crewe and the second phase between Crewe to Manchester will be affected as the government try to trim the ballooning costs of the estimated £77 billion project.
In a written statement, Transport secretary Mark Harper said: "The government remains fully committed to delivering HS2 from Euston to Manchester.
"However, in recognition of inflationary pressures and to help balance the nation's books, the next two years will be used to rephase construction and optimise future delivery of Phase 2a between Birmingham and Crewe so this is done in the most cost-effective way. This aims to deliver high-speed services to Crewe and the North West as soon as possible after accounting for the rephasing of construction."
The news of the delay has been met with disappointment by many.
John Foster, programme director, policy unit at the Confederation of British Industry said of the delay: "The HS2 network will connect eight of the nation's 10 biggest cities, creating jobs, opportunity and prosperity throughout the country whilst at the same time playing a key role in reducing road emissions and congestion.
"Having been subject to significant revisions and years of uncertainty, businesses will at least have the clarity needed to enable them to plan effectively. But this news will ultimately reduce investor and contractor confidence in the rail sector.
"To mitigate the further loss of confidence, it is critical that government tackles the inflationary pressures which are biting hard across the infrastructure sector. Delays to projects may create short-term savings, but they can ultimately lead to higher overall costs and slow down the UK's transition to a better, faster and greener transport network".
HS2 is due to connect the North to the Midlands at Crewe, creating a hub at Crewe station that estimates expect to create 37,000 new jobs and generate millions for Cheshire East.
In a joint statement, Councillor Sam Corcoran, leader of Cheshire East Council, and Cllr Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council and chair of its highways and transport committee, said: "We are naturally very disappointed by the announcement from the Government that construction of some sections of the HS2 route, which will affect sections from Birmingham to Crewe, and from Crewe to Manchester, is now delayed.
"This means a delay in HS2 coming to the north, and a delay in the benefits and opportunities it would bring to the north being realised.
"We of course need time to reflect on yesterday's announcement, and the implications thereof.
"In the meantime, we will continue to progress our petitions against the High-Speed Rail (Crewe – Manchester) Bill, which remains a live Bill, and work to secure the best possible outcome for Cheshire East and its communities."
Transport for the North chair, Lord McLoughlin was also critical of the decision and warned that delaying the project may not save money at all.
He said: "This is a disappointing announcement. But I was reassured by the Transport secretary that we are still getting HS2 to Manchester, and the recommitment to Northern Powerhouse Rail is welcome.
"However, it needs to be understood whether or not these cost savings can be realised while still achieving the same desired outcome and conditional outputs. The government needs to avoid being penny-wise and pound-foolish, as delays don't necessarily lead to savings, and in fact, can drive costs upwards."
South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce reacted to the disappointment also. In a statement, they said: "South Cheshire Chamber is disappointed that there will be a delay to HS2 high-speed rail line.
"HS2 will bring increased connectivity to the area, increased capacity on the ageing rail network and help with decarbonisation.
"Often the focus has been on speed, but the new line is vital to help move freight across the country and the current network is a barrier to the growth of businesses in South Cheshire.
"The delays mean that it will take longer for the area to benefit from HS2 and it affects businesses and local regeneration boards who are trying to plan for the future, so delays and uncertainty make that very difficult. We need a vision for Crewe as soon as possible, so this announcement will not help."
Trains are currently due to carry their first passengers from Old Oak Common in West London to Birmingham between 2029 and 2033, with the further stretch between Crewe and Manchester operational between 2034 and 2041.
READ MORE: Government still committed to HS2 to Manchester
READ MORE: HS2 will be worth it according to Local Enterprise chief
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